JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University officially celebrated the completion of West Village on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community open house, marking the opening of the University’s largest residence hall and one of the largest construction projects in its history.
University leaders, members of the Jax State Board of Trustees, the JSU Foundation, construction partners, faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered to recognize the completion of the $87 million development, which is scheduled to welcome its first residents for the Fall 2026 semester.
Located on the west side of campus, West Village includes 717 beds across 206 apartment- and suite-style units within a 256,545-square-foot, four-story complex. The development also features parking, 16 meeting rooms for student organizations, study areas, social lounges, a game room, and additional amenities designed to support upper-class students.
Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth Jr. said the project represents the next phase of the University’s long-term vision for student housing.
“This facility brings in a new chapter for our university housing,” Killingsworth said. “This facility will allow upper-class students to begin that transition into functioning as adults as they work toward that degree completion.”
West Village expands on the residential experience offered in North Village by providing apartment-style living with full kitchens or kitchenettes, in-unit washers and dryers, and dedicated gathering spaces for student organizations.
Killingsworth described the project as the largest construction effort the University has undertaken.
“This is the largest project we have ever taken on at the institution,” he said. “It really is going to transform this area of campus, and just hold on, we’re not done yet. There’s a lot still to come.”
Jax State Board of Trustees member Drew Linn said the residence hall represents an investment in both the University and its students.
“West Village represents far more than a new residence hall,” Linn said. “It reflects what can be accomplished when dedicated partners come together, thinking about the most important asset we have. That’s our students.”
Linn said student input helped shape the project and expressed confidence that the building will become home to lasting college memories.
Student Government Association President Bethany Stoots said students have looked forward to the opening of West Village and the opportunities it will create for campus life.
“I’m excited to hear about all the memories that will be made here, all the late nights studying, all the getting ready for football games, and all the stories that start with, ‘You remember when…’ and it has something to do with this building,” Stoots said.
The project was completed through a partnership between Jacksonville State University, the JSU Foundation, and multiple design, construction, and financial partners.
JSU Foundation Board President Terry Smiley said the Foundation remains focused on supporting projects that improve student life.
“For us, it’s all about enhancing the student experience,” Smiley said. “Today is an exciting day as we’re celebrating a fantastic facility that will improve the quality of the student experience here at Jax State.”
Vice President for Philanthropy Dr. Alan Medders recognized the University leaders, Foundation members, and project partners who contributed to the development and thanked the public and private organizations involved in bringing West Village from concept to completion.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees toured the new residence hall during a self-guided open house, viewing the apartment-style units, collaborative study spaces, student organization rooms, and other amenities.
West Village is expected to welcome more than 700 students later this month as Jacksonville State University begins the Fall 2026 semester.
